Looking to drink something other than a glass of champagne tonight for New Year's Eve? Well, you're in luck!
"Stiletto Chef" Candice Kumai, who competed on Season One of "Top Chef" is sharing some celebratory cocktails with toofab fans.
Check out the recipes below and try out something new for the New Year!
And remember, drink responsibly -- and always get a designated driver!
For more recipes from Candice, check out her cookbook, "Pretty Delicious."
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Rosemary Lemonade -- Serves 8
An elegant lemonade with a rosemary twist. Serve up in gingered sugar rimmed mason jar glasses over ice.
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 (8-inch) rosemary sprigs
- 1/2 cup Ultimat vodka
- Chilled seltzer water
- Rosemary sprigs, to garnish
- 8 gingered sugar rimmed glasses
Directions:
1.) In a small saucepan make a simple lemon-rosemary syrup. Add lemon juice, sugar, and rosemary stirring on a low heat until sugar has dissolved. Stir well.
2.) Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Cool completely. Discard the boiled rosemary sprigs.
3.) To serve: Fill your, sugar rimmed glasses with ice. Add approximately 2 parts of the lemon rosemary syrup to each glass and add approximately 2 parts Ultimat Vodka to each glass. Finish off with club soda and a rosemary sprig to top.
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Sparkling White Peach Sangria
With fresh mint and a touch of natural sweetness, this drink gives the whole party a reason to toast!
- 1 Bottle of Sparking extra dry wine, chilled, I love my Woodbridge sparkling brut! Tastes like a million bucks, and will only cost you $10!
- 2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh mint, julienne
- 2 Thinly sliced white peaches, or yellow peaches
- 2 C White Grape Juice, chilled
- 1 Tablespoon of honey for sweetness
Directions:
1.) In a large pitcher, mix the peaches, the white grape juice, honey and mint (muddle w/ wooden spoon) and allow the mixture to set for approx 10 minutes or so.
2.) Add in the sparkling wine, give it a whirl just before service. Top with a sliced peach on the rim and mint sprig!
*Pour into little mason jars for an elegant touch you can also use short or no stem wine glasses with paper straws, an ice cube or two if needed.
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Cranberry Apple Spiced Punch -- Serves 4-6
A pitcher of punch for the whole party to enjoy. Pour over ice and top off with a bit or orange or apple slices for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup Ultimat Vodka
- 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced (horizontally round, so a star appears with the seeds)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 3-4 Cups cranberry juice, white or regular, chilled
- Orange Slices, thinly sliced
- Seltzer water if needed
- Ice cubes or frozen grapes to chill
Directions:
1.) In a large pitcher, mix the apples, dried cranberries, cranberry juice (muddle lightly with a wooden spoon). Allow the mixture to set for approximately 15 minutes.
2.) Add in the Ultimat Vodka, ice and give it a mix again just before service. Top with orange zest or a few thin orange slices to top! * Seltzer water can be added if needed.
Enjoy -- and have a Happy New Year!
